President-elect Donald Trump has made his expansionist ideology loud and clear. Among his many controversial proposals, he has shown a keen interest in acquiring Greenland, a move he has described as vital for the United States, regardless of Greenlanders’ wishes or potential European Union and NATO responses. This sudden focus on Greenland raises questions about its timing and significance, particularly as it coincides with increasing Russian and Chinese activities in the Arctic region.

Russia has aggressively militarized its Arctic territory, reopening Soviet-era bases and establishing new installations equipped with advanced radar systems, missile platforms, and air defense systems like the S-400. The Northern Fleet, Russia’s Arctic naval powerhouse, includes nuclear-powered submarines, icebreakers, and warships that regularly patrol the Arctic and conduct large-scale exercises.

These efforts aim to secure Russia’s territorial claims and protect the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a vital corridor for global trade and energy exports. Russia’s ambitions in the Arctic underline its intent to assert dominance over resources and strategic shipping lanes, heightening tensions with NATO and Arctic nations.

China, though not an Arctic state, has steadily expanded its influence in the region through its Polar Silk Road initiative, a component of its Belt and Road strategy. Operating advanced research icebreakers like the Xuelong series, China frames its Arctic activities as scientific research.

However, these missions often have dual-use implications, providing insights into resource exploitation and potential military applications. China’s collaboration with Russia on energy projects, such as the Yamal LNG initiative, demonstrates its long-term commitment to Arctic resource extraction.

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